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Contact: Kelly Fox, 301-582-0813
Williamsport, MD –The National Park Service is turning 99 years old on August 25 and C&O Canal National Historical Park wants you to join the party! Come visit the Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, MD and celebrate with the following free events: Saturday August 22, 2015 9:00am-4:30pm: Visitor Center is open with exhibits, movies and our Bike Loaner program; C&O Canal Bike Patrol will be handing out free bells and discussing bike safety 9:00am-4:00pm: Trolley Barn is open with exhibits, movies, and hands-on activities for children, including a nature exhibit 10:00am-4:00pm: Canal Launch boat will be shuttling visitors between the Railroad Lift Bridge and Lockhouse 44 12:00pm-3:00pm: "The Lonesome Fiddle Ramblers" –Interpretive Music performance Dusk (approximately8:00) Family Movie "Despicable Me 2" shown along the Canal at River Bottom Park co-sponsored by the Town of Williamsport. Sunday August 23, 2015 9:00am-4:30pm: Visitor Center is open with exhibits, movies and our Bike Loaner program;C&O Canal Bike Patrol will be handing out free bells and discussing bike safety 9:00am-4:00pm: Trolley Barn is open with exhibits, movies, and hands-on activities for children, including a nature exhibit 10:00am-4:00pm: Canal Launch boat will be shuttling visitors between the Railroad Lift Bridge and Lockhouse 44 12:00am-3:00pm"Songs and Stories of Old Canal Days, with Matthew Dodd" –Interpretive Music performance In preparation for next year's big centennial celebration, the National Park Service is inviting everyone toFind Your Park. To encourage people to discover everything a park experience can be, there is a fun list of99 ways to Find Your Park. Visiting Canal Days at C&O Canal in Williamsport is a great way to try #14. Earn a Jr. Ranger badge, #20. Bring a kid to a park, #34. Take a picnic and dine al fresco and #97. Play Visitors can share their park experiences with others by posting on social media with the hashtag #FindYourPark. "By celebrating C&O Canal Days and our National Park Service birthday, we hope all visitors experience the wonders of the canal and support the community," said C&O Canal NHP Superintendent Kevin Brandt. "The Town of Williamsport shows the true spirit of a C&O Canal Town, so we invite everyone to visit and Find Your Park." On August 25,1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service. Today, there are 408 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn. And, onAugust 25, all national parks will offerfree entrancefor everyone. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP was established in1971to preserve the C&O Canal and the environs of the Potomac River. Last year, more than 5 million park visitors enjoyed the site and added $91,912,300 to the local economy and supported1,381area jobs. The mission of the National Park Service also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening in Maryland, go towww.nps.gov/MD |
Last updated: August 19, 2015